Apartments destroyed in Village Circle fire

At least two apartments were destroyed in fire that broke out Wednesday afternoon in a complex on Village Circle.

The fire was reported at 3:59 p.m. June 19 in the 700 block of Village Circle, and two upstairs apartments were affected, according to the combined Ukiah Fire Department and Ukiah Valley Fire District.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene as well, and Ukiah Police Department officers helped evacuate residents of the complex.

"It was a little scary there for a bit,"said Division Chief Kevin Jennings, after the fire was under control about 4:30 p.m.

Jennings said as far as he was aware, all occupants of the apartments had exited safely and no one was injured.

"The first crew in rescued a cat," he said.

A large amount of smoke blanketed the complex, however, and medical personnel were called in to help at least two patients, likely with smoke inhalation.

Jennings said the cause of the fire was being investigated, and UPD Chief Chris Dewey said his department was helping with the investigation.

Dewey said at least one witness reported hearing an explosion, but that his department received several differing reports.

"We are investigating whether it is a mechanical or arson-related event," he said.

Cal Fire, Ukiah Ambulance and VeriHealth personnel also responded to the fire